Cosmetic Medicine and Dermal Medicine and Role of Communication

Effective Communication and its Principles

Both enterprises and the upkeep of relationships and trust between people depend on effective communication. It is the act of conveying a thought from one person to another in order to elicit a reaction. Three principles are involved. These policies cover the content, context, and process. The process is initially defined as the method by which the sender transmits information to the recipient (Flores, 2006). A channel is used to transmit this information by using verbal or nonverbal cues. In verbal communication, the message is actually communicated through the use of words. On the other hand, non-verbal communication includes the use of sign language to express an idea. For instance, involves the facial expression, gestures, body movement, muscle tension, eye contact to convey a message. For it to be effective, the recipient should have an understanding of the signs use (Fong, et al. 2010). For the process to be termed successful, the ideas should be explicit for the receiver to understand and respond and further take action. However, all the other aspects are explained in the process. The content refers to what constitutes the information.

Variations in Communication Context

The context of communication varies from one context to the other. For example, business communication and hospital communication usually varies but the most important aspect for both the two modes in to create relevancy and foster the understanding of the message. However, effective communication is faced with challenges posed by different factors, some of the constraints to effective communication includes but not limited to; lack of attention, lack of interest, presence of distractions, cultural differences, language barriers, among others. It is, however, the responsibility of both the parties to reduce these hindrances to enhance the understanding (Barth & Lannen, 2010). Besides, an effective business communication is to facilitate and foster a healthy coexistence between the customers, and the business. In particular, through effective communication, customers gets to understand the features of various products offered, the places where these products can be found, the price and others. Apparently, the company employs effective communication to enhance growth in the sales volume, and further position itself in a better place to enhance growth and expansion (Barth & Lannen, 2010).

Ethical Considerations in Communication

Communication is, however, not just the aspect of communicating the information. It is a broad topic that is governed by ethical imperatives. Taking the context in the discipline of medicine, practitioners are obligated to observe patients confidentiality at the highest degree. Notably, patients’ privacy plays a vital role in enhancing trust between the patients and the physician. The protection of the private details of the patients promotes the sharing of the information between the patient and the doctor. It is, however, not only a subject of ethical requirement (Flores, 2006). Additionally, health professionals are required to embrace active listening when communicating with patients’ because of the following reasons. First and foremost, it encourages the patient to share more details about his/her health condition. Secondly, active listening enhances the understanding of all descriptions given by the patients. And finally, it still cements the bond of trust between the two parties. Moreover, professional communication is an ethical requirement that protects patients from any damage of personal and private information. A physician has no option than to comply with this provision fully. Simply, profession communication enhances a healthy understanding among the parties, creates trust, and increases the confidentiality of information (Travaline et al. 2005).

Communication Skills in the Medical Field

In cosmetic medicine, it is paramount for a practitioner to poses different communication skills vital for effective communication with the patients. These skills, however, ensure that the physician only communicates relevant information for the patient to understand their situation and also live with hopes. Considerably, the basic medical concepts and knowledge, the practitioner has to possess the following requisite communication skills; listening, thinking, speaking, and others (Sullivan & Geoffrey, 2012).

Listening, Thinking, and Speaking Skills

First, listening skills fosters getting of information from the patients. The attentive listening enables the physician to remain calm while the patient is speaking. As a result, he/she can get the entire gist of the conversation and appropriately share the patients’ feelings (Gjyn, 2012). The patient will feel loved, cared, and get contented with any information that will be given by the doctor regarding the health condition. Similarly, critical thinking skills enhance an active listening to the patient and generate the feeling of care and understanding. Lastly, speaking skills now assists in the communication aspect. After applying the critical thinking, listening, the physician, therefore, is required to communicate or respond to particular information raised by the patient (Travaline et al. 2005). It is, however, essential for the physician to remain confident in the entire conversation just to build trust among the patients’. For instance, speaking with confidence implies to the patient that the doctor has a full knowledge regarding the disease and the drug description was given is adequate in healing and managing the condition. Therefore, the exploitation of all these communication skills will enhance trust hence the written information issued to the patient regarding drugs usage, suggestions and medical referrals will probably receive consideration for the patient (Moore, et al. 2001).

Intercultural Communication in the Medical Field

The medical field is affected by the cultural aspect. The physician, therefore, needs to be well versed with appropriate measured to assist in limit the effects of cultural hindrances. However, the comprehension of effective cross-cultural communication will be one of the means of solving these cultural issues (Fong and Longnecker, 2010). Notably, intercultural communication has the following importance. First and foremost, it enhances proper understanding among the parties. Here, the patient understands the role of the physician and forget about minding cultural imperatives. Simply, it protects against either of the parties from adopting a judgmental approach. Secondly, it enhances cultural safety. The physician here understands what he/she should not dare doing as far as culture is concerned (Flores, 2006). Consequently, the expected trust will persist, and relevant communication and medication can appropriately be administered (Gjyn, 2012).

The Significance of Effective Communication

To sum up, effective communication is a critical aspect that requires full consideration in any business and medical environment. However, the process extends to other disciplines where each has its provision and expected impacts. The significant impact that all parties seek is to create an understanding and built of trust. In the medical field, it is worth noting that effective communication is the reason for the trust between the patient and the physician. Consequently, the medication process will be executed as required and all the professional provisions will comply.

References

Barth, J. & Lannen P. (2010). Efficacy of communication skills training courses in oncology: a

systematic review and meta-analysis.

Flores, G. (2006). Language barriers to health care in the United States, pp. 355-229.

Fong, J and Longnecker, N. (2010). Doctor-Patient Communication: A Review Ochsner.

Spring; 10 (1): 38–43.

Gjyn, O. (2012). Communication: core interpersonal skills for health professionals. Churchill

Livingstone, Australia

Moore, P.M., Wilkinson, S.S., & Rivera, M.S. (2001). Communication skills training for health

care professionals working with cancer patients, their families and/or careers. Cochrane Database Systems.

Schyve, P.M. (2007). Language differences as a barrier to quality and safety in health care: the

Joint Commission perspective. (22) 2:360

Sullivan, C. & Geoffrey G.M. (2012). Successful Practice Management: Exceeding Patient

Expectations, Lulu.

Travaline, J et al. (2005). Patient-Physician Communication: Why and How J Am Osteopath Association. Available on: http://www.jaoa.org/content/105/1/13.full, Retrieved on 15th January, 2017.